Dr. Roberta Bondar STEM Career Development Program
The Dr. Roberta Bondar STEM Career Development Program is an opportunity for women, nonbinary people, and gender diverse people working in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) to network with industry leaders and peers to get a behind-the-scenes look at the science and tech industries in Canada.
Support and lack of developing a professional network are often cited as barriers for women, nonbinary people, and gender diverse people entering and remaining in STEM careers. Participants of the Dr. Roberta Bondar Career Development Program benefit from developing strong relationships with like-minded participants and leaders working in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The program allows participants to expand their knowledge of public, private and academic sectors, gain new perspectives and have direct access to leaders in the public and private sectors.
WHAT IS IT?
This is a career development program that aims to inspire participants to move forward in STEM fields, and to eventually transition into scientific and management leadership in the Canadian STEM domain.
For a year, a group of 12 participants, five from the public sector, five from the private sector, and two from academia, participate in bi-monthly (twice a month) virtual sessions to expand their knowledge of public, private and academic sectors, and connect with leaders in government and private organizations. This program is co-created and participant driven to aim to ensure maximum effectiveness of participation.
WHO CAN APPLY?
This program is open to those who identify as women, nonbinary people and gender diverse people who have entered a STEM (Science Technology Engineering or Math) position for the first time in the last five years or re-entered after a recent period of absence upwards of three years. Those working in both the private and public sectors and academia are encouraged to apply as cross-sector collaboration and exchange increases the value of the program. We encourage applicants from the LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC communities to apply.
Unsure whether you qualify? Email info@wct-fct.com for more information.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
Participants are expected to work collaboratively towards expanding networks and meeting program objectives. Successful participants will be expected to attend bi-monthly sessions, including panels, workshops and group discussions. The estimated time commitment for the program on a monthly basis is generally about six hours (two sessions of two hours in length, plus preparation and planning for the sessions). As this program is collaborative, session attendance impacts the experience of the cohort as a whole. Participants are expected to attend at least 80% of total sessions over the course of the year to facilitate a successful group experience.
Following completion of the program, participants must work together on a written debrief to be submitted to WCT. The written debrief is to be used to help future cohorts of the program establish their program and meetings.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- This program is open to those who identify as women, nonbinary people and gender diverse people.
- You must be hired into your first STEM position within the last five years or have re-entered in a science and technology position after a period of absence upwards of three years.
- You must make individual arrangements and seek approval from your employer for salary, benefits and leave of absence, if required.
- If selected, you must participate in the current year’s program and cannot defer your acceptance to another date.
- All participants must be a WCT member. If you are not already a member, you are encouraged to apply to the program without purchasing a membership. Successful participants will need to purchase a membership upon acceptance to the program. Reduced membership rates are available for participants.
Prospective applicants can view the Dr. Roberta Bondar STEM Career Development Program Privacy Policy here.